Designing the Concorde Replacement

Now that the Concorde is gone. luxury air travelers are clamoring for the industry to revive the supersonic option.

It looks like they may once again be jetting around the world in record time thanks to the Aerion AS2. This supersonic jet can make the trip from London to New York in just 4 hours and 20 minutes.

It’s a joint partnership between Aerion and Airbus who are working together on this aircraft. Although currently a design concept, Airbus chairman Allan McArtor told Flying that they intend to see things through to a production plane.

Unlike the Concorde which was a commercial airplane, the Aerion AS2 will be a private plane with a top speed of Mach 1.6, which works out to a little over 1,200 mph. Cruising speed will be a more modest Mach 1.1 or Mach 1.2 to abide by laws where supersonic flight and the accompanying sonic boom is prohibited due to noise regulation.

The interior of the plane will be just as impressive as its speeds, with seating for 11 passengers in a 30-foot cabin that includes a separate dining room, stateroom, and shower so you can freshen up before you land. All this can be yours for around US$ 100 million. Don’t worry, you have plenty of time to save the cash. It’s not expected to take to the skies until 2021.